When curiosity is sparked...

Engage Hero is Called

1. Watch video below. 
2. What are you curious about?

​Explore ​Hero is Challenged

1. Using the below materials,  design an experiment to find the optimal Alka-Seltzer water combination. 
2. Hypothesize a macroscope and microscope explanation for your optimal ratio. 

​Explain Hero is Mentored

1. Introduce "ICE" Stoichiometry (see related video below). 
2. Facilitate stoichiometry practice session. 

​Extend Hero is Transformed

1. Click here and here to learn  about the "Hindenburg disaster".  
2. Generate optimal H2 and O2 needed for a mini "Hindenburg" in a 2L bottle. See video and slides below. 

​Evaluate Hero is Judged

1. Present slides above. 
2. Formal assessment on limiting and excess reactant stoichometry. 

All lessons based on the 5E Learning Cycle/Hero's Journey overlap shown below: ​

Engage Hero is Called

1. Play Operation. 
2. What are you curious about?

Explore ​Hero is Challenged

1. Take apart Operation and inspect how it works. Explain using words and a diagram. 
2. Create your own game by repurposing the materials. Additional materials are welcome. 

Explain Hero is Mentored

1. Play with this simulation
2. Complete this digital handout. 

Extend Hero is Transformed

1. Using only the materials provided, create a circuit that serves a useful purpose.
2. Pitch your idea here. 

Evaluate Hero is Judged

1. Follow rubric here. 
2. Present project. 

All lessons based on the 5E Learning Cycle/Hero's Journey overlap shown below: 

This year I am SUPER excited to teach a new class this year called "Engineering for Social Good". Click here for a short version of our class syllabus.

For each of the five projects I plan to facilitate in the course, I will post a similar blog post to share the successes and failures of the course as I modify it for future years.  

For our first project of the year, we are leveraging the "Drawdio", a device imagined and designed by Jay Silver. Click here and here to learn more about the Drawdio circuit and here to view Jay's incredible TED Talk. Click here to purchase your own Drawdio kit. 

After a brief  live demonstration of how the Drawdio circuit works, I provided the students with the following prompt:

In 1979, Mattel created a game called "Electronic Connection". Using your Drawdio circuit, develop a game, made in the the spiriting of Electronic Connection, that helps young learners (4-5 years old) improve their fine motor control and handwriting skills. We will then deliver the games to local Preschool and Kindergarten classrooms. Go! 

We finished prototypes today and I was absolutely blown away with the way the natural prototyping process happened seamlessly when the end user was clearly defined. The the low barrier to entry associated with this device and the "window" it opens to the subsequent learning of the interior electronics of the device make this activity one that acts as a perfect inquiry opening for this new course. 

See videos of two student prototypes in action below: 

See images of all students prototypes below: 

I was honored to join Barbara Bray on episode #89 of her podcast RethinkingLearning. Click here to listen to the the entire episode where Barbara and I take a deep dive into the pedagogy and research behind sparking student curiosity.